| New Model Preview | Mercedes-Benz CLC |

Ahead of what is likely to be the car's official world debut at the Geneva motorshow, Mercedes-Benz has released details on the new CLC range, a car that Merc claims to be a standalone model aimed at the younger buyer.

Although the new CLC obviously adopts styling cues from recent Mercedes models such as the new C-Class, it is in fact an updated version of the C-Class Sport Coupé, though there have apparently been over 1,100 modified parts.

You'll have noticed the styling first and foremost and the newly-named CLC retains its predecessor's quirky overall shape with new front and rear designs. The nose mimics the sportier C-Class Sport's grille, with a large three-pointed star and just two horizontal beams. A deep front bumper adds to the appearance and CLC Sport models feature further differentiating touches. At the rear of the new CLC, the curvy lamps of the Sport Coupé are replaced by sharp new items and a strip of LEDs makes up the high-level brake light. It's likely that alloy wheels will be standard across the range, with 18-inch items on the Sport model.

The engine line-up won't be quite as extensive as in the C-Class saloon, but nonetheless buyers can choose from six different units, ranging from 120bhp to 268bhp. The big sellers are likely to be the CLC 200 Kompressor and CLC 200 CDI, both of which feature upgraded engines utilising less fuel than before. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range, with either five- or seven-speed automatic options depending on the engine.

Don't for a minute think that the CLC is a niche model either, as its predecessor found 320,000 homes. Sales across Europe are likely to begin in June 2008 with added equipment and up to date infotainment options.

Shane O' Donoghue - 29 Jan 2008